Report by Rick Carey, Auction Editor
The Taste of Hershey
RM Auctions held its Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey sale on October 7-8 in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Aside from chocolate (chocolate, chocolate, everywhere) the appeal of Hershey is the search for the rare, obscure, intriguing piece to complete a car restoration puzzle.
Hershey denizens criss-cross the fields, pawing through piles of lights, fenders, distributors, cylinder heads, distributor points, frames, springs, axles and light bulbs seeking the pieces they need to complete their projects. They search, and they … in the lexicon of New England … ‘dicker’ for the best deal. Hershey attracts car collectors from around the world. There’s more Dutch, Australian, German, French and, increasingly, Eastern European overheard here than in Monterey.
The objective always is the Saturday AACA Meet where an award earned at ‘Hershey’ stands right up there with Pebble Beach. The standards are high, the competition intense, and the means to meet them are offered in the acres of the AACA Hershey swap meet, the Car Corral and at RM’s auction, which has swept its competitors from the board in recent years.
This year demonstrated why RM has achieved its dominance.
Of the 148 cars offered, 110 were without reserve and selling to the highest bidders. The estimates were low, encouraging the Hershey bargain-hunters. The cars were old: 67 were built before 1920, eleven before 1905 and therefore eligible for consideration to participate in the UK Veteran Car Club’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run – an endurance test that every car enthusiast should experience at least once in a lifetime.
It evidenced astute marketing, positioning and an understanding of the audience, something which RM has mastered in recent years.
67 cars in the sale were built before 1920. 25 of them sold for over their high estimates. More importantly, all of them sold, including the sale’s second highest transaction, the ex-Harrah’s 1903 Packard Model F Rear Entrance Tonneau which brought a princely $374,000 (and was worth every penny of the price, too.)
In fact, every car but one at RM’s Hershey auction sold on the block … and the one that didn’t (the Bergholt Streamline sedan) was closed later at $82,500, an effective hammer bid of $75,000 which topped the $67,500 it closed at on the block.
There are many conclusions to be drawn from RM Hershey, but none more important than the endorsement it made of the continuing appeal of very early cars, those creative, imaginative examples of early automobile entrepreneurs’ diverse visions of solving the problem of converting energy stored in hydrocarbon fuels and electro-chemical batteries into rotating motion that turned road wheels.
RM Hershey this year was a lavish, diverse, intriguing catalog of early marques and the development of the American automobile industry (follow the progress of the early Fords and Chevrolets.) I had great fun here, and I hope it comes through in the notes and comments.
Photos are courtesy of RM Auctions (the preview is in the dank parking structure next to the Hershey Lodge Convention Center where what little illumination there is comes from dimly orange sodium vapor lighting. Photography is impossible.) It is mostly copyright 2010 by Darin Schnabel and Stephen Goodall.
RM Auctions Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey 2010 – Auction Report
Lot # 301 1915 Chevrolet Series H-3 Amesbury Special Roadster; S/N N7644; Light Grey, Green accent and coachline/Green leather; Estimate $12,000 - $17,000; Rebodied or re-created, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $35,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $38,500 -- Reproduction body. Nickel trim, rear mounted spare. Very good older restoration and rebody showing a little age and use. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. This rare early Chevrolet, the first of several cars important to the early history (and pre-history) of the marque to cross the block in Hershey, set the tone of the sale, achieving an enthusiastic reception from the bidders and a healthy, but reasonable, price even for its reproduction body, despite the very modest estimate.
Lot # 302 1915 Trumbull 15B Cyclecar; S/N 637; Cream, Black fenders/Black vinyl; Black leatherette top; Estimate $10,000 - $15,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $27,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $29,700 -- Corbin-branded Brown speedometer, single sidemount, winged Motometer, electric headlights, cream painted wire wheels. Brass brightwork. Cosmetically redone to presentable driver standards. Sound and usable. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. This is only the second Trumbull to turn up in my twenty years of looking at auction cars. The first one was sold by Christie's at Lyndhurst in 1998 in largely complete condition but in need of a complete restoration for $6,900, a result that is in proportion with this attractively presented cosmetically restored example.
Lot # 303 1910 E-M-F 30hp Speedster; S/N 16407; Light Blue, Black fenders/Black leather; Estimate $10,000 - $20,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $22,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $24,200 -- RHD. Yellow wood spoke wheels, blackwall ties, E&J acetylene headlights, C.T. Ham taillight, kerosene side lights, bulb horn. Good older restoration with repro bodywork showing age and use. Dull brass, sound paint, aged, dirty chassis. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. Three cars across the block, three cars hammered sold for more than the high estimate, setting the tone of the sale. This is an attractive and unusual runabout with a 30hp engine and 3-speed transmission that will run rings around made-up Model T Speedsters that sell for this much and more. It is a good value at this price.
Lot # 304 1912 Metz Model 22 Roadster; S/N 28317; Blue/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $10,000 - $15,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $28,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $30,800 -- Black painted acetylene headlights, kerosene sidelights and taillight, bulb horn, bolster seat and oval bolster tank, monocle windshield, White painted wood spoke wheels, blackwall tires. Sound old restoration with mediocre cosmetics (at best). A usable tour car but nothing more. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. The intriguing history of Metz with its installment plan assembly by owners contributes a lot to its appeal. Maybe not this much, however, which is a lot for a 22hp kit car in this usable but not exceptional condition.
Lot # 305 1914 Saxon Model A Roadster; S/N 1423358; Red/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $15,000 - $18,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $16,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $17,600 -- Quarter elliptic springs, windshield. Decent paint, upholstery and top. A competent cosmetic restoration on an older restored chassis. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. With just 12hp and 95 cubic inches this little Saxon isn't going to be popular (or safe) on the Interstate but on local roads and tours it'll attract plenty of positive attention, enough so it is a sound value at this price.
Lot # 306 1924 Buick Six 24-44 Roadster; S/N 1104885; Black/Black leatherette; Black leatherette top; Estimate $20,000 - $25,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $26,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $28,600 -- Black wood spoke wheels, blackwall tires, nickel trim, rear-mounted spare, Buick Motometer. Very nice restoration without going overboard. Excellent paint and interior. Good nickel. Pitted wheel nut chrome. A 1970 AACA National First Prize, it appears to have been cosmetically refreshed since. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. With plenty of power and a smooth overhead valve six-cylinder engine this Buick Roadster is a great car for tours or afternoon drives. Its condition is highly presentable and it's impossible to ask for more for the money. A sound value at the price.
Lot # 307 1928 Chevrolet AB National Landau Coupe; S/N 4594780; Olive, Black fenders; Black leatherette roof/Ochre cloth; Estimate $18,000 - $25,000; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $12,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $13,200 -- Rear-mounted spare, disk wheels, blackwall tires, windshield visor, single wiper. Sound original chrome, upholstery and paint except for repainted fenders. Original and very choice. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. This is an intriguing result. Cars that had much less originality had crossed the block before, bringing much more money. It's impossible to fault the preservation of this Chevy, or its unusual body style, and it represents a very good buy at this price.
Lot # 308 1929 Buick Six 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N 2263843; Black, Green accent/Brown cloth; Estimate $15,000 - $25,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $11,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $12,100 -- RHD. Green wire wheels, blackwalls, metal luggage trunk. Moth eaten upholstery, dull old paint but sound, complete and usable as is. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. With righthand drive this highly original Buick will be hard to use and each mile chips away at its originality. That, and the utilitarian sedan coachwork, probably account for the lackluster reception it got from the Hershey bidders. It made for a good value for the successful bidder, however.
Lot # 310 1932 Packard Light Eight 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 5534080; Sand, Brown fenders and accent/Beige cord; Estimate $20,000 - $30,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $43,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $47,300 -- Cream wire wheels, whitewalls, clock, smokers kits, robe rail, trunk rack. Good paint, interior and most chrome but some weak, pitted or thin trim chrome. Chassis is largely like new. Oil mist covered engine. A generally attractive and well-presented car. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. This was Packard's attempt to build a low-priced eight. It was low priced all right, but not low cost. A one year only experiment, examples are valued by Packard collectors, but that is scant reason for this exceptional result for a pretty ordinary older restored car. This is an expensive Packard.
Lot # 312 1911 CarterCar 35-40hp Touring; S/N 7120; Red, Black fenders/Maroon leatherette, Black cloth top; Estimate $20,000 - $30,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $43,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $47,300 -- RHD. Jones speedometer and clock, acetylene headlights, E&J kerosene sidelights, wicker trunk. Dull paint, oily light yellow chassis and running gear. Solder repaired radiator. A sound but unattractive tour car. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. CarterCar's friction drive transmission had many attractions to entrepreneurs trying to sell to an unsophisticated, inexperienced market, an attribute that brought an outstanding price from Billy Durant's General Motors. Its history must also have appealed to the Hershey bidders who paid a premium price definitely not based on this example's presentation or condition.
RM Auctions Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey 2010 – Auction Report Page Two
Lot # 313 1911 E-M-F 30 Coupe; S/N 306395 (Engine); Blue, Black/Black leather; Estimate $25,000 - $35,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $46,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $50,600 -- RHD. Stewart speedometer, rear mounted spare with round trunk inside it. Pull up rear and door windows, E&J acetylene and kerosene side lights and tail light, grey wood spoke wheels, blackwall tires. Cracked and torn but largely complete original leather. Poor old paint, dull brass. Oily but orderly engine. Telephone booth style coupe body. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. The body style of this E-M-F would be more at home on an electric. Adapted to town use with occupants wearing tall imposing hats, it was a fashion already out of fashion in 1911. This is believed to be the only surviving E-M-F with this body. It has received too much cosmetic attention to be prized for its originality but a very high cute quotient brought it a seriously premium price.
Lot # 314 1911 RCH Four Roadster; S/N 686; Crimson, Black/Black; Black cloth top; Estimate $20,000 - $25,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $22,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $24,200 -- RHD. Acetylene headlights, kerosene sidelights, bulb horn, rear bolster seat, whitewall tires on black wood spoke wheels. 1972 AACA National First Prize, VMCCA National First Prize. Sound but aged and used; dull brass. Usable as is, but not showable. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. Robert Hupp's reincarnation after leaving Hupmobile, a small but practical 22hp 166 cubic inch 4-cylinder that offered decent performance in an economical, compact vehicle. Unusual with this attractive little roadster body (which doesn't fit the fender line, leading to some doubts about its originality) and a reasonable value at this price.
Lot # 318 1912 Little Four Roadster; S/N 218; Light Grey, Black/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $20,000 - $25,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $24,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $26,400 -- RHD. Varnished wood wheels, blackwall times, oval bolster tank, folding windshield, nickel trim. A predecessor to Chevrolet in Billy Durant's bid to re-establish his automotive empire. Decent older paint, interior and brightwork. Chassis and engine are used and oily. Clean and presentable if not fresh. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. ‘Little’ also applies to the car's size and to the number of the marque which survive. Its rarity and intriguing position in America's automobile industry history make it an enjoyable addition to a collection and a decent value at this price.
Lot # 322 1909 Hupmobile Model 20 Runabout; S/N HMC2354; Red, Black fenders/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $20,000 - $30,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $22,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $24,200 -- RHD. Hupmobile branded E&J acetylene headlights, E&J kerosene sidelights, Rubes bulb horn, oval bolster tank, E&J kerosene taillight, Prest-o-lite tank, dogleg windshield. 1986 AACA National First Prize now aged, showing use and neglected. Orderly but oily underhood. Dull brass. Sound upholstery and sound but dull paint. A few cans of Never Dull and lots of elbow grease will make a big difference. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. This is a neat old car that needs little more than some time and attention to freshen its presentation to return it to show-ready appearance. It is a sound value at the price it brought here.
Lot # 325 1903 Rambler Runabout; S/N 2322; Green/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $50,000 - $60,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $49,500 -- RHD. Neverout kerosene side lights and tail light, oval bolster tank. Red wood spoke wheels, blackwall tires, red running gear. Good older paint and upholstery, dull brass. Orderly but used and aged chassis and engine. Very presentable and attractive tour car that will show with pride at the end of the day. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. The first of eleven Brighton-eligible automobiles offered at RM's Hershey auction, the bidders seemed to be waiting for some of the later offerings and this one changed hands reasonably.
Lot # 329 1915 Ford Model T Roadster Pickup; S/N 719293; Dark Green, Black fenders/Black vinyl; Black leatherette top; Estimate $15,000 - $20,000; Truck restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $15,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $16,500 -- Brass radiator T built from a touring car with a homemade wood body. Coil and distributor ignition. Grungy chassis. Sound cosmetics, upholstery and top. Fun, but nothing special. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. A fun little runabout, adaptable to any number of events, tours and shows, for a modest price given its good basic condition that will benefit notably from some elbow grease and a few bottles of various cleaning solutions.
Lot # 330 1909 Stanley Model E2 Runabout; S/N 284; Dark Red, Black accent/Black leather; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $57,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $63,250 -- B&L acetylene headlights, E&J kerosene sidelights and taillight, Neverout instrument lamp clamped to steering column. Assembled from parts (like so many Stanleys), restored long ago and plenty used since. Paint cracking on wood panels, chipped and dull. A usable but not attractive driver that hasn't been used recently and will need careful, professional attention before being powered up. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. With a known history since it was assembled in the early 70's this Stanley has a credible provenance and is basically sound and usable albeit in need of careful re-commissioning. The bidders here in Hershey paid full retail for it.
Lot # 333 1906 Franklin Model G Touring; S/N 3349 (Engine); Engine # 3349; Red, Black fenders and accent/Maroon leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $25,000 - $40,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000 -- RHD. Badger Brass Solar acetylene headlights, Franklin-badged Atwood kerosene sidelights, Jones speedometer, Rubes-style bulb horn. Early Franklin with barrel hood (before the design was modified to resemble 'conventional' liquid cooled styles.) Used but very charming old restoration with aged paint, sound upholstery and (abundant) dull brass. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. Franklins' appeal and unique concept are evident in this example's generous price.
Lot # 334 1907 Reo Model G Runabout; S/N 6250; Black, Gold accent/Black leatherette; Black leatherette top; Estimate $18,000 - $23,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $26,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $28,600 -- RHD. Atwood-Castle acetylene headlights, kerosene sidelights, folding bolster seat, Atwood-Castle kerosene taillight. Repaired crankcase. Decent old restoration with aged but presentable cosmetics. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. An attractive and useful single-cylinder runabout with a place in automobile history that is easily recognized by most collectors and even the average non-enthusiast. Its condition leaves much to be desired, but is usable and presentable and will respond positively to attention to its cosmetics. It is, however, no bargain at this price.
Lot # 335 1904 Ford Model AC Runabout; S/N 1605; Blue, Black fenders/Red leatherette; Black leatherette top; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $52,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $57,750 -- RHD. Willocq kerosene sidelights. An older restoration to good touring standards with a reconstructed body some time ago. Presentable but less than impressive. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. Typical of many of the Sichel collection cars, this early Ford is a sound old restoration/reconstruction that evidences the difficulty of keeping up with the maintenance of a collection of many old cars. Its price here reflects its 1904 dating and imputed eligibility for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, but is not supported by the corresponding VCC dating. The model and specifications, however, would seem to make it a pretty safe bet to pass muster with VCC and in that case the price is appropriate.
RM Auctions Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey 2010 – Auction Report Page Three
Lot # 336 1907 Brush Model BC Runabout; S/N 363084; Dark Red, Maroon frame and chassis/Black leather, Black leatherette top; Estimate $15,000 - $20,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $20,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $22,000 -- E&J Kerosene sidelights, expanding coil spring suspension, double chain drive, bulb horn. Good older paint and interior. Dull but clean brass. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. The suspension on this Brush is especially intriguing, not only coil springs but ones that operate in extension rather than the more common compression. Condition is consistent with the rest of the rather neglected Sichel cars and the price is appropriate, although somewhat more modest than some other cars from this collection.
Lot # 337 1904 Cadillac Model F 4-Passenger Touring; S/N 1129; Blue, Black fenders/Black leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $50,000 - $70,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 -- RHD. VCC dated 1904 in 1968, but now dated 1905, and may be eligible for London to Brighton by the grandfathering provisions, having run on more than one occasion. Early British history. Boa Constrictor horn, single Lucas headlight, electrified side lights, two Lucas King of the Road taillights. Good older restoration to sound and presentable touring specifications, showing age and use. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. The bidders bet serious money on this car's grandfathering for Brighton, although it is even without that eligibility a fine example of an early Cadillac single. Its condition and presentation is somewhat better than most of the Sichel cars, adding to its appeal.
Lot # 340 1903 Cadillac Model A Runabout; S/N A122; Black, Eggplant accent/Black leather; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $62,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $68,750 -- RHD. Neverout kerosene sidelights and taillight. Restored from a frame discovered in Montana in 2000, reproduction body and various mechanical parts but starting to come apart. Paint cracking on wood, chassis and engine show use. Brass and upholstery are nice but ageing. A usable but not particularly appealing car. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. The price realized puts no small value on its ability to pass muster with VCC and establish its eligibility for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Given its admittedly assembled character authentication and dating will be no small task, accounting for its modest increment over the low estimate.
Lot # 341 1914 Oakland Model 36 5-Passenger Touring; S/N 360274; Red, Black fenders/Black leatherette; Black leatherette top; Estimate $20,000 - $25,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $29,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $31,900 -- Black wood spoke wheels, whitewalls, S&M spotlight, electric head and side lights, Atlas electric horn under the hood, rear-mounted spare, 3/4 elliptical rear spring, combination taillight with stop light and turn indicators, German silver radiator. Poor, dull old repaint, sound upholstery, oily, dirty chassis and engine, dull nickel trim. A quick, old cosmetic redo of a sound and generally original old car. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. A technically advanced auto for the time, with electric lighting and a 36hp, 192 cubic inch four-cylinder engine but this example is let down by a superficial redo that doesn't do the car justice. It has potential, but brought a full retail price and then some worthy of a better restored car than this.
Lot # 342 1905 Maxwell Model L Runabout; S/N L4281; Red, Cream frame and chassis/Black leather; Estimate $15,000 - $20,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $30,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $33,000 -- Badger Bran Solar acetylene headlights, round Gray & Davis kerosene side lights, Solar acetylene taillight, 8-day clock. Good older restoration and reproduction body with sound, presentable cosmetics but also plenty of use. Brass needs polishing. No top. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. Historically significant not only in the evolution of the American auto industry but also for establishing its manufacturing plant in Tarrytown, NY which began a long history of building cars there. The bidders must have seen all of this potential, and even a little more, to support this generous price.
Lot # 343 1909 Buick Model F 5-Passenger Touring; S/N 12647; Maroon, Red coachlines and chassis/Maroon leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $45,000 - $55,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $49,500 -- RHD. Acetylene headlights, Gray & Davis kerosene taillight, pretty kerosene side lights, Solar acetylene generator, Red frame, suspension and wood spoke wheels, blackwall tires. Sound and presentable older restoration using the original body and fenders, then with plenty of touring miles on it, but still usable as is. (Titled as a 1906.) Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. Although this Buick is in need of cosmetic freshening its underlying quality, and that of its restoration, is more than sufficient to support the price paid here. Henry's Model T, however, would soon render its 2-cylinder 22hp 'valve in head' engine obsolete despite the Buick's high quality construction.
Lot # 345 1904 Pierce Stanhope Runabout; S/N 170; Green/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $70,000 - $80,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $67,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $74,250 -- Dark Red wood spoke wheels, white times, tiny Neverout kerosene sidelights and taillight, copper water tank behind seats. Quick old restoration with reproduction body, probably with more recent paint. Engine and running gear are aged and dirty but still presentable. Upholstery is old, shiny leather. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. Although it has apparently not been VCC dated, this early single-cylinder Pierce offers its new owner the prospect of participation in the London to Brighton Run and brought a healthy price that reflects that possibility.
Lot # 346 1906 Ford Model N Runabout; S/N 292; Maroon, Black fenders/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $40,000 - $50,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $32,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $35,200 -- RHD. Kerosene sidelights and taillight, white tires on body color wood spoke wheels, Nonpareil bulb horn. 4-cylinder 149 cubic inch engine. A 1991 AACA-winning show quality restoration with good paint, upholstery and brass. Appears to have had little use and needs only thorough detailing and polishing to be returned to show quality. Gerald Sichel Collection. No Reserve. One of the milestones in Henry Ford's progression to revolutionizing the automobile and with it society and demographics, this is an especially nice old restoration that is in better condition than many of its counterparts in the Sichel collection. It also is the last car from the Sichel collection to be offered today and ended the sale on a high note and a good value for the purchaser.
Lot # 347 1903 Ford Model A Rear Entrance Tonneau; S/N 206; Red, Black fenders/Black leatherette; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $77,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $85,250 -- RHD. White tires, kerosene sidelights, removable tonneau. Good older paint, upholstery and brass. 1989 AACA National First Prize winner with little subsequent use. Clyde Ensor, Sr. Collection. No Reserve. The first model built by the Ford Motor Company and the historical antecedent of all subsequent Fords. An early version with a low engine number and closed rear axle, subsequently changed to an open design less prone to collecting mud and horse droppings from the day's rudimentary roads. Well known and one of the highlights of the Clyde Ensor, Sr. collection as well as the first of the collection offered at Hershey, the price reflects its history and its prospects of participation in the Brighton Run, otherwise a healthy price for a 100 cubic inch opposed twin-powered car, even with wheel steering.
Lot # 348 1902 Oldsmobile Model R Curved-Dash Runabout; S/N 1704; Black, Maroon, Gold coachline/Black leather; Estimate $50,000 - $70,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $65,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $71,500 -- RHD. Chrome spoke wheels. Concours quality old restoration now aged a little but capable of being shown again after very little attention. Clyde Ensor, Sr. Collection. No Reserve. This is as nice a restored Olds Curved-Dash as any seen at auction in a long time, even though its restoration is coming up on thirty years old. Even at that, and considering its eligibility for the London to Brighton Veteran Car run, it is a landmark price matched only by the 1904 sold from the GM Collection at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale two years ago and the exceptionally cute 'Pie Wagon' which has twice exceeded $70,000 at auction.
RM Auctions Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey 2010 – Auction Report Page Four
Lot # 349 1928 Ford Model AR Roadster; S/N A182818; Dawn Grey, Grey accent, Black fenders/Brown leatherette; Black leatherette top; Estimate $25,000 - $35,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $27,500 -- Rumble seat, black wire wheels, whitewalls, dual sidemounts with mirrors. Restored like new some time ago but will respond well to a thorough detailing. Clyde Ensor, Sr. Collection. No Reserve. A very collectible early Model A with an excellent restoration and high quality preservation. The price is, for an AR and with this caliber presentation, a sound value.
Lot # 350 1940 Ford Deluxe Convertible; S/N 5623624; Folkestone Grey/Tan vinyl; Beige cloth top.; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $49,500 -- Fog lights, remote spotlight (not wired), radio, no heater, trim rings, whitewalls. Note on dash says ‘Run OK, No Brakes.’ Dull paint, good interior and top, decent chrome. Orderly and nearly like new underhood. An older restoration of mediocre quality. Clyde Ensor, Sr. Collection. No Reserve. Little work will be needed to overcome this car's shortcomings and turn it into an attractive driver for weekend cruising, work that is reflected in the price paid for it.
Lot # 353 1908 Buick Model G Runabout; S/N F97; Maroon, Red frame and chassis/Maroon leather; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $49,500 -- RHD. Acetylene headlights, Solar kerosene sidelights, bulb horn, maroon wood spoke wheels, blackwall tires, Gray & Davis kerosene taillight. 159 cubic inch opposed twin 'valve in head' engine. Quality restoration with very good paint, upholstery and brass. A show quality car other than some evidence of age. Clyde Ensor, Sr. Collection. No Reserve. A handsome early chain drive (not shaft drive as cataloged) Buick, this car has no record of being shown or judged. It was bought by Clyde Ensor, Sr. in 1957 and therefore most likely restored by him, although there is scarce documentation offered with it. Its price is generous.
Lot # 355 1906 Ford Model N Runabout; S/N 3478; Dark Red, Black fenders/Black leather; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Incomplete restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $27,500 -- RHD. Reportedly bought from J.E. Melvin, the grandson of the original owner, Dr. Jack Shelby, in 1965. Restored but incomplete. No lights, top or windshield. Usable as is, but not after dark. Clyde Ensor, Sr. Collection. No Reserve. The work needed to complete this early Ford to presentable, usable condition is reflected in the price paid for it. The two family ownership provenance is not and as such it is a good value for the new owner.
Lot # 358 1903 Ford Model A Rear Entry Tonneau; S/N 881; Red, Black fenders/Black leather; Estimate $50,000 - $70,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $72,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $79,750 -- RHD. Removable tonneau, white tires. Sound old restoration showing little use. Leaks a lot of oil. Clyde Ensor, Sr. Collection. No Reserve. The exceptional price this Ford Model A brought reflects the bidders' judgment that it will prove to be eligible for the most important early vehicle events, like the Brighton Run. The leaks are characteristic of the times and served to hold down the dust of what were the prevalent dirt paths of the time.
Lot # 363A 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Roadster; S/N AA137997; Washington Blue, Blue accent, Black fenders/Brown; Beige cloth top; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $33,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $36,300 — Cream wire wheels, whitewalls, leatherette luggage trunk, etched wing wings, dual sidemounts with chrome bands and mirrors, quail radiator cap, turn signals, headlight visors, radiator stoneguard. An attraction older restoration to like new condition that has been toured and is showing its age. Driver’s door alignment is off, paint has some cracks and chips, chrome has some defects and a few thin places but overall this is still a pretty tour car. Clyde Ensor, Sr. Collection. No Reserve. Not cataloged. A handsome car that brought a reasonable price for its condition and presentation. (picture unavailable).
Lot # 364 1931 Lincoln Model K 7-Passenger Touring; S/N 67436; Blue, Dark Blue fender and accent/Brown leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $125,000 - $150,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $92,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $101,750 -- Blue wire wheels, whitewalls, dual sidemounts with cloth covers and mirrors, folding rear windshield with wind wings, trunk rack. 1982 AACA National First Prize and still with excellent paint, chrome and interior. Excellent fits and generally irreproachable. Clyde Ensor, Sr. Collection. No Reserve. A quality automobile for which an appropriate price was paid.
Lot # 369 1960 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N 0Y73Y1106297; Springdale Rose/Black leather; Black vinyl top; Estimate $30,000 - $40,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $27,500 -- 352/300hp, automatic, pushbutton radio, P/S, P/B, wheel covers, whitewalls. Decent repaint, surface cracked seats, otherwise original and clean. Clyde Ensor, Sr. Collection. No Reserve. Mostly original and in usable condition but more likely the basis for a restoration, its price here is retail.
Lot # 371 1965 Ford Mustang GT Notchback; S/N 5F07A759209; Poppy Red, White vinyl roof/Black Pony; Estimate $20,000 - $30,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $15,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $16,500 -- 289/225hp, automatic, underdash A/C, radio, Rally-Pac gauges, hubcaps and trim rings, narrow whitewalls, Power front disc brakes, fog lights. Right door binds badly. Thin trim chrome. Bubbles under roof covering. Fair old repaint over old paint. Aged but mostly original. Cracked steering wheel rim. No obvious major flaws except the right door. Clyde Ensor, Sr. Collection. No Reserve. Well equipped, but in less than reassuring condition, this Mustang isn't good enough to be used as it is and needs comprehensive attention. For a notchback in this condition, even from the Mustang's first year, this is all the money.
RM Auctions Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey 2010 – Auction Report Page Five
Lot # 373 1973 Mercury Cougar Convertible; S/N 3F92Q540030; Red/White vinyl; white vinyl top; Estimate $10,000 - $15,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $10,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $11,000 -- Automatic, A/C, wire wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, console, radio, P/S, P/B. Grungy original underhood. Old undercoat on chassis with repaint overspray. Sound body. Good basis for a cosmetic restoration. Quick old repaint over old paint, otherwise original and sound. Interior is soiled. Clyde Ensor, Sr. Collection. No Reserve. An unattractive automobile in even less attractive condition, it brought all the money it could possibly hope for here.
Lot # 503 1916 Chevrolet Four-Ninety Touring; S/N H13776; Black/Black leatherette, Faded cloth top; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $15,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $16,500 — Mason engine with exposed valve gear, crossflow head, original tool box and tools, electric starter. All original, sound, complete and pretty wonderful. Peeling paint, cracked upholstery, fragile top, gunky engine and chassis. Believed to be just three owners from new, and looks like it. No Reserve. I think this remarkable, wonderful survivor is worth more than the amount paid for it. It will have to be preserved and used carefully but is an artifact of history that is unlikely ever to be seen again. Restoring it would be a crime. (picture unavailable).
Lot # 504 1969 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 Convertible; S/N 344679E168812; Covert Beige/Olive vinyl; Beige vinyl top; Estimate $25,000 - $30,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $23,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $25,300 -- 400/325hp, automatic, Rally wheels, BFG Radial T/A tires, AM-FM, A/C, P/S, power front disc brakes. Good clearcoat repaint in Covert Beige, a Toronado color, otherwise original and clean. 53,559 miles from new. Pitted grille molding trim chrome. Dreary colors do nothing for it at all. No Reserve. The effect of the dank, dingy color choice on this 4-4-2 convertible overwhelms its appeal and makes this disappointing result appropriate.
Lot # 506 1970 Fiat 500L 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N 2555231; Coral Red/Black vinyl; Estimate $20,000 - $30,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $14,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $15,400 -- Folding sunroof, whitewalls. Quick repaint on a sound car. Good interior, fair chrome. Old undercoat on chassis. A superficial auction car. No Reserve. Cute only does so much and can't overcome the superficial presentation of this Fiat. This price is all the money for it.
Lot # 508 1965 Alvis TE-21 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N 27233; Gold/Biscuit leather; Estimate $10,000 - $20,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $31,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $34,100 -- 5-speed, Pioneer cassette stereo, translucent sun visors, silver wire wheels, blackwall tires. Fair old repaint. Leather poorly re-colored and cracking. Varnish cracking on dash wood, steering wheel covered with cheap vinyl sleeve. Fair chrome. Old undercoat on chassis. Lewis Golub Collection. Proceeds to the Saratoga Automobile Museum. No Reserve. An old friend, sold at RM's Amelia Island auction in 2002 for $20,900 in essentially the same disappointing condition as it was offered here but now with 151 more miles showing on the odometer. Its result here is nothing short of a miracle.
Lot # 509 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Coupe; S/N CA591323; Engine # 35616; Beige, Brown fenders and accent/Tan cloth; Estimate $15,000 - $25,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $14,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $15,400 -- Beige wire wheels, whitewalls, rear-mounted spare, trunk rack, rumble seat, radiator stoneguard, winged Motometer, windshield sun visor. Sound but aged and used old restoration with a 1928 engine. Lewis Golub Collection. Proceeds to the Saratoga Automobile Museum. No Reserve. A less than inspiring example but a usable example that brought a reasonable price.
Lot # 510 1937 Packard One-Twenty Convertible Coupe; S/N 1099-3855; Dark Maroon/Tan leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $50,000 - $70,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $87,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $96,250 -- Steel wheels with hubcaps and trim ring, wide whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, Trippe lights, rumble seat, trunk rack, radio, heater. Very nice restoration to like new condition with excellent paint, interior and top and sharp, brilliant chrome. Lewis Golub Collection. Proceeds to the Saratoga Automobile Museum. Sold by Christie's at Lyndhurst in Tarrytown, NY in 2000 for $56,400 with nothing done to or for it since. It was claimed there to have restoration receipts totaling $130,000 enough to put the restorer's entire family through Harvard. The seller (and the Saratoga Museum) should be lighting candles to RM for getting this much for it.
Lot # 511 1954 Kaiser-Darrin 161 Roadster; S/N 3495435; Cream/Cream; Estimate $80,000 - $100,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $72,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $79,750 -- Wire wheel covers, whitewalls, wind wings. Decent recent paint, chrome and upholstery. Old undercoat on chassis. Tidy but ordinary underhood. A competent and usable cosmetic restoration. Lewis Golub Collection. Proceeds to the Saratoga Automobile Museum. Sold by RM at Boca Raton in 2004 for $37,985 with a repaint, new tires, probably new upholstery and who knows what else since although the attention didn't extend to the engine compartment or chassis. This price, even in the present healthy market for Kaiser-Darrins, is ample for the car's erratic presentation.
Lot # 512 1937 Delahaye 135 C Grand Prix Recreation; S/N 45123; Light Blue/Black vinyl; Estimate $95,000 - $140,000; Rebodied or re-created, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $145,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $159,500 -- RHD. Dual aeroscreens, teardrop cycle fenders, triple SU carbs, banjo spoke steering wheel, halogen headlights. Good paint, chrome and upholstery. Reportedly raced in Argentina, including the 1951 Argentine GP. Rebodied with this Grand Prix style coachwork in aluminum at some point and run in the Great American Race in 1995. A presentable and usable tour car. Without knowing more of the competition history of this Delahaye it is impossible to do anything other than assume that the bidders who brought it to $5,000 over its high estimate were comfortable both with the history and with the very attractive and sporting presentation and coachwork.
Lot # 513 1940 Lincoln-Zephyr Continental Cabriolet; S/N H96690; Dark Green/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $80,000 - $100,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000 -- Remote spotlight, skirts, whitewalls, hubcaps and trim rings. Good older restoration to like new condition. Interior and top are good. Paint is starting to crack and has many scuffed place from careless polishing. Most chrome is good. No Reserve. Sold for $132,000 by RM in its sale of Jerry Capizzi's collection in 2006, the condition is failing and the price is no more than could be expected for it as it now appears. A cosmetic re-do will be needed to justify the estimate.
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Lot # 514 1930 Ford Deluxe Panel Delivery; S/N A3858906; Red, Black fenders/Black leatherette; Estimate $35,000 - $50,000; Concours restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $22,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $24,750 -- Red wire wheels, blackwall tires, dual outside mirrors, winged Motometer. A gorgeous, nothing-overlooked, no-shortcuts restoration with breathtaking paint and chrome, wonderful upholstery, dash and instruments and lovely, showroom quality chassis and engine. Done to Pebble Beach standards with only a touched up scrape along the upper rear edge of the driver's door separating it from beyond perfect. No Reserve. This is a surprisingly modest price for such a beautifully restored example of a rare body style. The new owner should be very satisfied both with the car and with the price paid for it, a real bargain. It began a series of some of the most impressively maintained and restored Ford pickups and sedan deliveries ever seen at auction, something for everyone and generally modestly priced for their quality and rarity.
Lot # 515 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Pickup; S/N A4823806; Maroon, Black fenders/Black; Estimate $40,000 - $50,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $37,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $41,250 -- Cream wire wheels, whitewalls, dual sidemounts with chrome bands, headlight visors, quail radiator cap. Fancy smooth side bed with varnished wood line and chrome tubing side rails blended into cab. A-6050B Speed Head, chrome hood side vents. Reportedly originally a General Electric fleet vehicle. Quality older restoration to better than new condition. Paint cracked and shrinking with bad water spots. Good chrome and interior. Chassis is oily and needs to be cleaned of road grime. A neat and unusual truck with many miles and years of enjoyment left in it. The cosmetic problems aside, this is an attractive and rare truck with an unusual bed design. (With the chrome bed rails it could serve proudly as a flower car for a classy funeral director.) It can be driven proudly even with the spidering paint and has many years and miles of enjoyable use ahead of it at a price which is full value for the money.
Lot # 516 1937 Ford Deluxe Pickup; S/N 54147564; Red, Black fenders and accent/Black leatherette; Estimate $40,000 - $50,000; Concours restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $47,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $52,250 -- Heater, single left running board sidemount, hubcaps, trim ring, whitewalls. Excellent paint, chrome and upholstery. Done completely, thoroughly and to concours standards. 1996 AACA Grand National and Early Ford V-8 Club Dearborn Award winner. Originally powered by a V8-60 but repowered with an 85hp V-8 during restoration. No Reserve. One of the outstanding vehicles sold by RM from the collection of Michael Dingman in 2006 and only slightly less impressive now than it was then when it brought $57,750. The bigger engine makes no difference in the value but is a big improvement in driving enjoyment, although the odometer still shows the 56 miles it displayed back in 2006 in New Hampshire. The new owner got full value for the money even at this price.
Lot # 517 1939 Ford Panel Delivery; S/N 185004739; Eggplant, Black fenders/Brown vinyl; Estimate $35,000 - $45,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $30,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $33,000 -- 85hp V-8, whitewalls, trim rings, hubcaps, fog lights, dual outside mirrors. Quick repaint, upholstery, some chrome and some boards inside the box to protect the sheet metal. The rest is original and sound but unattractive. No Reserve. An undistinguished Ford, but a great canvas upon which to apply some period hop-up equipment and create a handsome rolling billboard.
Lot # 518 1940 Ford Deluxe Sedan Delivery; S/N 185589624; Coach Maroon (Eggplant)/Beige cloth; Estimate $35,000 - $45,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $37,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $41,250 -- 85hp V-8, two-speed axle, radio, heater, clock, hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls. Poor, flaking old repaint, fair chrome, good (but not correct) upholstery. Chrome generator cover, new carburetor and fuel pump. A generally original, sound and attractive sedan delivery that hasn't been street rodded (yet.) No Reserve. The originality of this Sedan Delivery is pretty special and it would be inappropriate to do much more than preserve or, if necessary, replace the paint and maybe recover the seats in a stock-type material. The bidders seemed to appreciate it, and it brought all the money recognizing its originality, preservation and condition.
Lot # 519 1936 Ford Deluxe Sedan Delivery; S/N 182500401; Maroon, Amber coachline/Brown cloth; Estimate $40,000 - $50,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $43,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $47,300 -- 85hp V-8, grille guard, hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls, radio. Good repaint, new interior and chrome. Engine, chassis, interior trim, dash and instruments original and it shows. No Reserve. An attractive example of one of Ford's most appreciated Thirties' years, the condition isn't great but the preservation is pretty impressive. They impressed the bidders, too, who pursued it to this ample but not unreasonable final result.
Lot # 520 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe 2-Door Phaeton; S/N A4513267; Sand, Dark Grey accent, Black fenders/Beige leatherette; Heather cloth top; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $41,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $45,100 -- Cream wire wheels, whitewalls, dual sidemounts with chrome bands, windwings, trunk rack, dual remote spotlights, quail radiator cap. 2001 AACA National First Prize that is still ready to show. Excellent paint, chrome, upholstery and top. Restored to like new standards. No Reserve. A rare open body style and impressive restoration that will still show proudly, this Model A brought a healthy but reasonable price.
Lot # 521 1941 Ford Super Deluxe Station Wagon; S/N 186433867; Tucson Tan/Brown vinyl; Estimate $70,000 - $90,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000 -- Trim rings, hub caps, whitewalls, grille guard, 3-row seating, enclosed rear spare. Cosmetically redone with decent paint, chrome, upholstery and wood. Wood is all original with just one spliced-in joint repair. Vent window glass delaminating, other glass is OK. Engine is orderly, chassis is grungy and oily. Old body and window seals. A real woodie, but not a real good woodie. No Reserve. This woodie needs too much and too extensive attention to be worth any more than what it brought here but will be a six-figure wagon after it receives the work it needs (and deserves.) The largely-original wood is particularly noteworthy, and a strong contributor to the price it brought.
Lot # 522 1911 Ford Model T Torpedo Roadster; S/N 66462; Washington Blue/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $50,000 - $70,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 -- E&J acetylene headlights, kerosene side lights and taillight, round bolster tank, bulb horn, dogleg windshield, white tires on body color wood spoke wheels. Good older show quality restoration still with attractive cosmetics except for some blemished brass. No Reserve. Impressively restored, loaded with brass and apparently lovingly maintained in show-ready condition, but this is a lot of money for a Model T Roadster.
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Lot # 523 1939 Ford Deluxe Convertible Sedan; S/N 1848880807; Washington Blue/Tan leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $50,000 - $70,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000 -- Radio, heater, banjo spoke steering wheel with white rim, clock, trim rings, whitewalls, exhaust turndown. . Like new underhood and chassis. Excellent paint, chrome, interior and top. Restored in 2006, show ready and fresh. No Reserve. A rare body style, from the last year it was available, combining the best features of enclosed, weatherproof coachwork with the possibility of enjoying top-down driving for a family, hydraulic brakes and the 24-stud flathead, this is a lot of car for the money and beautifully presented and preserved. The new owner got full value for the money.
Lot # 524 1932 Ford Deluxe Pickup; S/N 182666; Dark Green, Black fenders/Black leatherette; Estimate $30,000 - $40,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $33,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $36,300 -- Light Green wire wheels, blackwall tires, turn signals, dual sidemounts, hydraulic brakes. Excellent paint, chrome and upholstery. Engine and chassis restored like new with better paint. Beautifully done. No Reserve. I'm left in a bit of a quandary over this Deuce Pickup's valuation by the informed, enthusiastic bidders at Hershey. It's rare, rare, rare. It's a genyouwine Deuce V-8 pickup, and it's beautifully restored. There can't be more than a handful to have survived generations of hotrodders looking for this combination of configuration and equipment, and I honestly think it's seriously undervalued at this price, especially in this better-than-new condition.
Lot # 525 1949 Ford F-1 Pickup; S/N 1598RC232275; Red/Brown leatherette; Estimate $30,000 - $40,000; Truck restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $37,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $41,250 -- Heater, oak bed floor, black painted bed strips, hubcaps and trim rings with whitewall tires on body color steel wheels, heater. 100hp 239 cubic inch 8BA flathead. Excellent paint, some scuffed stainless, good upholstery. Dash and instruments done, fresh and sharp. As good as it gets without losing touch with reality, a 1996 AACA National First Prize restoration that continues to be show-ready. No Reserve. A superbly presented Ford pickup that brought all the money even in its exceptional condition. Both the buyer and the seller should be satisfied with the money, and with the truck it bought.
Lot # 526 1937 Ford Deluxe Phaeton; S/N 183784256; Washington Blue/Brown leatherette; Beige cloth top; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $27,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $29,700 -- Remote spotlight, trim ring, whitewalls. Good repaint, upholstery top, otherwise a clean largely original car. Dash and instruments not done and need to be. Weak chrome. Superficially redone underhood. A presentable but ultimately disappointing tour car. No Reserve. The disappointing attention to detail in this Ford's restoration is apparent in the bidders' modest reception for it. There's a long way between this car and the one envisioned by the catalog estimate, particularly the high end of the range.
Lot # 527 1926 Ford Model T Panel Delivery; S/N 13419714; Red, Black fenders/Black vinyl; Estimate $20,000 - $30,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $17,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $19,250 -- Excellent paint and upholstery. Engine and chassis are like new. A lovely truck. No Reserve. Vestibule-style body with sliding side doors probably built by Field Body Corporation of Owosso, Michigan. The restoration and condition are impossible to fault and it is nothing if not a good value at this price. The buyer should be very, very satisfied with this rare Model T at this price.
Lot # 528 1930 Cadillac 452 V-16 Sport Phaeton, Body by after Fleetwood; S/N 702514; Black, Silver/Dark Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $300,000 - $350,000; Rebodied or re-created, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $270,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $297,000 -- Chrome spoke wire wheels, whitewalls, dual sidemounts with black cloth covers and mirrors, small metal trunk, radiator stoneguard, Pilot-Rays, rear compartment speedometer and clock, rollup rear windshield, wind wings, chrome hood side vents. A very good older rebody restoration with some subsequent use but very good care and still looks fresh. Repaired tear in driver's seat cushion. Beautifully designed and detailed rear seat dashboard. Sold by RM in Arizona in 2008 for $302,500 in slightly fresher condition than it was offered here but otherwise comparable and now showing only 64 more miles on its odometer. An enduring value and beautiful as well as powerful and quiet, its value here appropriately reflects the passage of time and the reproduction body.
Lot # 529 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe, Body by Murphy; S/N 2213; Engine # J-194; Silver, Dark Metallic Green/Green leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $600,000 - $800,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $680,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $748,000 -- Chrome wire wheels, whitewalls, dual sidemounts with cloth covers, chrome bands and mirrors, dual remote spotlights, Pilot-Rays, rumble seat, beige cloth covered luggage trunk. Frame stamped 2213, firewall number 2462. Attractive older restoration in subtle colors. Excellent paint, chrome and upholstery. Top and trunk cloth is lightly but noticeably soiled. Engine has oily mist residue. Chassis is clean and show quality but not fresh. Top fits well but is missing some fasteners. Estate of John O'Quinn. Sold by RM at Meadow Brook in 2005 for $825,000, then at Boca Raton in 2006 for $845,300. Surprisingly for a car from the O'Quinn Collection it appears to have had some needed attention since then and is in attractive condition. The price is modest for a Murphy convertible even though it's consistent with past results for this car.
Lot # 530 1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 43 Sport Phaeton; S/N 1025208; Metallic Green/Olive leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $75,000 - $100,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000 -- Body color wire wheels, overdrive, freewheeling, wide whitewalls, dual sidemounts with mirrors, wind wings, dual windshields, cloth covered luggage trunk. Good older restoration with good paint, some failing chrome. Interior is worn but sound, as is the top. Chassis is oily from use. A very attractive tour car that will look good in the parking lot at the end of the day's run. This is a very nice old Pierce-Arrow showing the quality of its restoration in how well it is holding up years after it was restored. A quality car for touring, it brought an appropriate price and demonstrates that it isn't necessary to spend seven-, or even six-figure money to obtain one of the great Classic Cars of the Thirties. It is an astute buy at this price and will reward its new owner with a satisfying ownership experience.
Lot # 537 1903 Packard Model F Rear Entrance Tonneau; S/N 251; Engine # 251; Maroon, Gold coachline/Maroon leather; Estimate $200,000 - $300,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $340,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $374,000 -- RHD. Single Badger Brassware Solar acetylene headlight, Dietz kerosene sidelights, wicker pannier baskets, bulb horn. Spectacular concours restoration with excellent paint and upholstery and brilliant brass everywhere. Fresh, sharp and gorgeous. History known essentially since new, bought by Harrah's in 1953 and first restored there, then sold in 1986 to General Lyon. Sold to the Imperial Palace in 1991, then to Drew Lewis in 1998 for whom it was restored by Steve Babinsky, winning its class at Pebble Beach in 2002 followed by a string of awards through 2007. Matching engine and chassis numbers. Unquestioned history and provenance, one of the milestones in automobile history. Estate of John O'Quinn. This is an automobile that is breathtaking in its history and provenance. One of three known survivors of its type, it epitomizes the quality and style of early American automobiles. The restoration may be old, but it is in no way aged. The price is a tribute to the discernment of the bidders at RM's Hershey auction and soundly refutes the oft-stated view that the buyers of really old cars are disappearing. In fact new generations of collectors are discovering the appeal of these old crocks.
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Lot # 539 1941 Ford Super Deluxe Tudor Sedan; S/N 186691035; Maroon/Maroon leather; tan cloth top; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $47,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $52,250 -- Radio, black steel wheels with hubcaps and trim rings, whitewalls, grille guard. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Nearly like new underhood and chassis. Dash and instruments are sharp, clean and fresh. Not show-ready but it hasn't been long since it was. Estate of John O'Quinn. Cataloged as a Tudor Sedan 18638717, the car offered was a convertible coupe with this number. The bidders were less confused than the catalogers and this is a reasonable compromise between the description and the actual -- very nice -- car offered. The bidder who stepped up got a great value.
Lot # 540 1921 Brewster Coupe, Body by Brewster; S/N 2344; Engine # 02382; Dark Blue, Black fenders/Gray cord; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000 -- Nickel brightwork, Klaxon electric horn, body color wood spoke wheels, blackwall tires, McConnell electric wiper, reverse sloping windshield with sliding glass panel in front of driver, Warner speedometer, Motometer, Knight T-head four, dual rear spares, front and rear window pulldown shades. Excellent older restoration to concours standards with only a little age and use. Estate of John O'Quinn. Powered by a Knight sleeve valve four, this was one of Brewster's recurring ventures into building its own cars, and one of the funkier ones at that. It exudes character and the style which Brewster supplied to its carriage-trade clientele. It would be hard to find a more idiosyncratic automobile even in the early Twenties and the price it brought reflects its rarity and appeal.
Lot # 541 1909 Thomas 6-40 Flyer 7-Passenger Touring; S/N 254; Crimson, White coachline/Black leather; Black cloth top, Red lining; Estimate $150,000 - $250,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $160,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $176,000 -- RHD. Jump scats, body color wheels, white tires, dual sidemounts on right side, Gray & Davis acetylene headlights, Solar kerosene sidelights, bulb horn. Concours quality older restoration with excellent paint, upholstery, wood and brass. Chassis has some oil, grease and dirt from road use but is still very clean. A beautiful car, formerly part of the Rick Carroll collection, second in class at Pebble Beach in 1983. Estate of John O'Quinn. Sold by RM at Amelia Island in 2007 for $297,000 where it was estimated at $300-400,000. Ouch.
Lot # 542 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe 2-Door Phaeton; S/N A4762447; Washington Blue, Blue accent, Black fenders/Tan leather; Heather cloth top; Estimate $20,000 - $40,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $46,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $50,600 -- Cream wire wheels, blackwall tires, dual sidemounts, wind wing, remote spotlight, trunk rack. 1991 AACA Senior and 1997 Grand National, Model A Restorer's Club Henry Ford Award. Still sharp and better than new without being overdone. A very pretty, impressive Model A. Estate of John O'Quinn. There were two of these Model A 2-Door Phaetons offered at Hershey, a remarkable offering of a body style of which only 2,229 were built in 1931. The other one, more recently restored but in Sand over Black, brought $45,100. Maybe the missed chance there egged the bidders here on a little.
Lot # 544 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Newport Town Car, Body by Brewster; S/N S75T; Eggplant, Maroon/Black leather, Beige cloth; Estimate $100,000 - $150,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $117,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $129,250 -- Black wire wheels, blackwall tires, sliding divider, raked flat windshield, jump seats, robe rail, rear compartment clock, vanity compartments. Very good paint, chrome and upholstery with its engine restored by Frank Cook and the chassis and coachwork by John Abrahamson's Enfield Auto Restoration in the mid-80's. Chassis is oily and a little road grimy from touring. Would detail back to show quality. Estate of John O'Quinn. Several onlookers were overheard commenting on the beauty and style of this Brewster Newport, observations that were highly appropriate. Rare it isn't, but desirable it is and it will detail back to show quality condition with little effort. It was offered at Auburn Fall in 2002 where it no-saled at $275,00 and here at Hershey in 2005, also a no-sale at $285,000. It is nothing if not a good value at this price.
Lot # 545 1909 Walker Model 15 Electric Delivery Truck; S/N ; Maroon/Black vinyl; Estimate $60,000 - $100,000; Truck restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $40,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $44,000 -- Painted assembled, like a farm tractor, but a good job complemented by good interior details. Reportedly deployed in New York by Hearn's Department Store and the Holland Laundry. Estate of John O'Quinn. This is a rare example of early electric-powered delivery vehicles employed by city firms for local deliveries. Despite looking like a shoe box on wheels, it has great character and appeal and is the essence of simplicity in construction and operation. Tesla should have it as a local pickup and delivery vehicle.
Lot # 546 1905 Woods Electric Queen Victoria Brougham; S/N 2843; Varnished wood, Black leather fenders/Black leather; Estimate $60,000 - $100,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 -- Bud vase, pulldown shades, varnished wood spoke wheels, black solid front tires, pneumatic rears, vis a vis seating, swing up windshield, single headlight, cowl lights, the cab removes to convert it to an open runabout. Cracking wood needs attention. Interior is old but sound. Three gouges on right door. Only known survivor. OK as is or would benefit from some attention. Estate of John O'Quinn. The appeal of this Woods electric comes not only from its unique survivorship but also from the carriage style convertible body and the brightly varnished wood coachwork. The price is remarkable.
Lot # 547 1913 Peerless Model 48-Six Roadster; S/N 13269; Green, White coachlines/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $250,000 - $300,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $182,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $200,750 -- RHD. Round bolster tank, rear-mounted spare, Light Green wire wheels, whitewall tires, beveled glass wind wings, Klaxon horn, Warner clock and speedometer, Gray & Davis electric headlights and sidelights, platform rear suspension. Relegated many years ago to a gold mine in the Sierras to power various equipment then left there when the mine was abandoned. Discovered and airlifted out in 1966, then slowly restored with a replica body, completed in 1984 when it was displayed at Pebble Beach. Concours restored with excellent paint, upholstery and nickel trim. Shows a little age but nothing a little detailing won't fix. Sold by Worldwide at Houston in 2008 for $330,000 and cosmetically freshened since. Rare, handsome and powered by a robust 578 cubic inch T-head six that gives it exceptional performance for the time, its new owner got a great history, unique recovery and restoration story and attractive car for tours and events at a modest price. Well bought.
Lot # 548 1911 Jackson 50 HP 7-Passenger Touring; S/N 5202; Dark Blue, Black accents/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $300,000 - $400,000; Recent restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $185,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $203,500 -- RHD. Overhead camshaft 4-cylinder engine, 3-speed, Atwood-Castle acetylene head and kerosene sidelights, cream wood spoke wheels, blackwall tires, Jones speedometer, clarinet reed bulb horn, jump seats, National Highway Association eagle radiator cap mascot. 1910 Chicago license tag # 5142. Concours restored with excellent paint, upholstery, top and plentiful brass. Once among the fabled store of Barney Pollard, restored by Chris Kidd's Tired Iron Works in 2002. Showed only at Palos Verdes where it was judged Best in Class. Rarely seen (only the second of the marque in my auctions database) and unusually sophisticated in its mechanical design, the restoration of this Jackson is above reproach. The buyer got a real conversation piece as well as a powerful tour car for a surprisingly modest price that is nothing if not 'well bought' at this result.
Lot # 549 1912 Stoddard-Dayton 12C 5-Passenger Roadster; S/N 12C288; Maroon, Black accents/Black leather; Black cloth top and boot; Estimate $200,000 - $250,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $157,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $173,250 -- RHD. Body color wood spoke wheels, blackwall tires, Warner clock and speedometer, CM Hall kerosene sidelights and taillight, electrified headlights, Rubes-style bulb horn, full weather equipment. 1989 AACA National First Prize still with very good paint, brass and upholstery. Ohv T-head four with dual low-mounted camshafts which distinguish the advanced Stoddard-Dayton design. Ingeniously designed with exposed valve gear which is fascinating to watch in operation as well as effective in developing horsepower, Stoddard-Daytons exemplify the creativity and imagination of early automobile builders. This 12C will devour miles on the road (assuming its valve gear is regularly lubricated) and makes an elegant statement with its 5-passenger roadster coachwork. Its many attributes and quality restoration make it a good value at this price.
RM Auctions Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey 2010 – Auction Report Page Nine
Lot # 550 1931 Ford Model A A400 Convertible Sedan; S/N 3558486; Beige, Brown fenders and accent/Saddle; Tan cloth top; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $35,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $38,500 -- Cream wire wheels with chrome spoke, whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemounts with chrome bands and mirrors, quail radiator cap, radiator stone guard, exhaust manifold heater. Older restoration to show quality condition with a later repaint of indifferent quality and detailing. Engine and chassis lightly oiled from use but not very dirty. Estate of John O'Quinn. One of the most rare and thereby sought-after body styles on the Model A and '32 Ford chassis -- the only years they were offered -- this example earned a result that appropriately compromises its rarity with its ageing and rather mediocre condition. It will respond well to modest attention to its cosmetics and mechanics, rewarding its new owner with a place of pride in any Model A or Ford display. Bought right.
Lot # 551 1917 Peerless Model 56 Two-Power-Range Cloverleaf Roadster; S/N 172135; Dark Green, Black fenders/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $55,000 - $75,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $49,500 -- 300 cubic inch, 80hp V-8 engine, 3-speed gearbox with 2-speed rear axle (compound low will pull stumps), dual rear spares, top boot, pinstriped wood wheels, blackwall tires, Gabriel strap-type dampers, rearview mirror, trouble light, factory tool kit, jack. Sound paint and upholstery. A 2003 restoration that approached ‘like new’ when done and still will tour with pride. No Reserve. Sold by Worldwide Auctions at Houston earlier this year from the R.E. Monical Collection for $44,000 and essentially untouched since. The seller didn't make much but the buyer got an intriguing early V-8 powered open roadster for less than the price of an early Ford V-8. It won't appeal to everyone, but to those who appreciate the ingenuity of early manufacturers it is a gem that will hold its own in modern traffic.
Lot # 552 1980 BMW M1 ; S/N WBS59910004301153; Orange/Black leather, Grey cloth inserts; Estimate $125,000 - $150,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $125,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $137,500 -- Becker Mexico cassette, A/C, ugly ‘BMW M1’ side graphics. 17,877 km from new. Good original paint and interior. Scraping off the tacky graphics might have brought another $15,000.
Lot # 553 1936 Cadillac Series 75 Convertible Sedan, Body by Fleetwood; S/N 3111969; Metallic Grey/Cream leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $52,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $57,750 -- Rollup division, dual enclosed sidemounts, hubcaps, trim rings, whitewalls, Trippe lights. Fair repaint, chrome, upholstery and old top. Chassis, underbody, dash and instruments untouched. An imposing but superficially redone car. No Reserve. Inherently impressive but in detail disappointing, the car brought a fair price to both the buyer and the seller.
Lot # 554 1929 Cadillac 341-B V-8 Convertible Coupe, Body by Fisher; S/N 333107; Engine # 333107; Grey, Dark Grey fenders and accent/Eggplant leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $80,000 - $120,000; Recent restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $97,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $107,250 -- Eggplant wire wheels, whitewalls, dual sidemounts with mirrors, rumble seat, trunk rack, Pilot-Rays, radiator stoneguard. CCCA National First Prize # 2893, AACA Senior in 2007. Very good paint, chrome, upholstery and top. Fresh, sharp show quality restoration completed in 2006 showing just a little use to the upholstery and carpets. Chassis is clean and fresh. A choice Cadillac V-8, bought for an appropriate price.
Lot # 556 1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 41 All Weather Tourer; S/N 3050219; Sand, Brown fenders and accent/Brown leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $125,000 - $175,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $157,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $173,250 -- Spoke wheels, whitewalls, rear-mounted spare, jump seats, free-standing headlights. One of five known survivors of this style on the long wheelbase chassis. Chipped old repaint over old paint. Worn but sound upholstery with original interior panels, Fair chrome. Tired but sound mostly original car first owned by Alta Rockefeller Prentice, John D. Rockefeller's daughter. Later owned by Winthrop Rockefeller and displayed at Petit Jean Mountain until it was sold to Bill Harrah. Known history from new and 36,886 miles. Worth this much even without the exemplary history and provenance, the buyer got good value for money.
Lot # 557 1955 Studebaker President Speedster 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 7169779; Sun Valley Yellow, Hialeah Green/Yellow vinyl; Estimate $45,000 - $55,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000 -- Automatic, pushbutton radio, heater, wire wheel covers, whitewalls, P/S, P/B, 4-barrel. Thoroughly restored to very high standards of fit and finish. Excellent paint and interior, brilliant chrome. Chassis and engine done like new with just a little age and use. Very attractive and intriguing. No Reserve. More rare and attractive than a '55 Bel Air or Fairlane but no more costly, this is an astute acquisition even if the fish-mouth grille is aggressively ostentatious. It was, after all, the Fifties and Studebaker was trying hard to remain relevant.
Lot # 559 1935 Auburn 851SC Phaeton; S/N 31899H; Dark Green/Beige leather; Heather cloth top; Estimate $150,000 - $180,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $140,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $154,000 -- Dual Ratio, clock, heater, folding windshield, sombrero hubcaps, trim rings, dual enclosed sidemounts, blackwalls. Excellent paint, chrome, interior and top. Looks menacing in its all dark green livery with the chrome wheels and blackwalls, 2003 restoration. Clean, sharp and still show quality. Reported sold by Kruse in Arizona in 2007 for $228,960 and exceptionally attractive and serious looking, the image that made Auburn an attractive buy in the mid-30's and still does today. It is, however, a much better buy here than it was three years ago.
Lot # 560 1928 Lincoln Model L Sport Phaeton, Body by Locke; S/N 48264; Dark Green, Black fenders/Brown leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $62,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $68,750 -- Black wire wheels, blackwall tires, dual cloth-covered sidemounts with mirrors, trunk rack, wind wings. Repainted and reupholstered long ago but otherwise largely original and very choice. Paint cracked at stress points. Seats very sat. Orderly underhood. Acquired in Argentina in 1972 and described as restored over the next 30 years (!) its condition is hardly recognizable as restored and is at best a cosmetic and mechanical redo to good standards of fit, finish and function. Sound, attractive and well equipped, this Lincoln has potential not only as the basis for a concours restoration but also for many years of driving and touring enjoyment before restoration is really needed. This is fancy Model A money for a Lincoln, and a good value.
Lot # 561 1961 Buick Invicta Convertible; S/N 6H2012489; White/Red vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $30,000 - $40,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $27,500 -- 407/325hp, automatic, aftermarket A/C (not working), radio, P/S, P/B, dashtop clock, wheel covers, skirts, whitewalls, later front disc brakes. Good repaint, chrome and interior. Chassis and underhood cleaned up but not restored. Engine is oily and dirty. An unusual cosmetic restoration, usable as is on tours or cruising. No Reserve. Rocketship styling and a rock-solid nailhead V-8 distinguish the '61 Buicks. Rarely seen, they are attractive cars for weekend cruises and touring with excellent performance and an abundance of options and accessories. This is less than a comparable Chevy would command at auction, and it bought more car, a situation the market endorses but astute collectors appreciate for the value and utility. A good buy at a market price.
RM Auctions Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey 2010 – Auction Report Page Ten
Lot # 562 1913 Inter-State Model 45 7-Passenger Touring; S/N 6668; Dark Green, Black fenders/Black leather; Dark Green cloth top; Estimate $200,000 - $250,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $172,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $189,750 -- 50 ALAM hp inline six, Warner speedometer, Stewart clock, light green parallel coachlines and wood spoke wheels, blackwall tires, jump seats, single rear-mounted spare. Excellent paint and upholstery with little evidence of its many touring miles. Clean, orderly, very attractive. One of just two known surviving Model 45s and just 16 of the marque. Restored in the mid-80's and recently freshened. So, how do you place the value of such a rare car? By listening to the judgment of the bidders at RM Hershey, that's how.
Lot # 563 1936 Pontiac Deluxe Eight Cabriolet; S/N 8BA8211; Metallic Grey/Grey leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $50,000 - $70,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $69,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $75,900 -- Body color wire wheels, whitewalls, radio, heater, turn signals, rumble seat. Good older repaint, chrome, interior and glass. Engine shows some use and age with oily residue but still has its drip pans. VMCCA 'Gold' judged in 2002. One of only two of this model and body style known to survive. Offered at Dave Rupp's Ft. Lauderdale auction in 2006 where it no-saled at $71,000 and at Auburn Fall also in 2006 where the reported bidding stopped at $70,000, this is a rare example of waiting paying off, or at least not costing too much. The long term owner stood by it in the dark recesses of the Hershey Lodge parking structure telling its story enthusiastically, a strong endorsement of the car and its history which paid off in a price that's fair to both the buyer and the seller.
Lot # 564 1962 Fiat 1200 Cabriolet, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 14096; Red; Red hardtop/Tan vinyl; Black cloth top; Estimate $25,000 - $35,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $30,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $33,000 -- Heater, cassette stereo hung under the dash, two tops. Decent repaint, upholstery and top. Fair chrome. Old undercoat on chassis. Engine is orderly but oily and unrestored. No Reserve. More attractive than an MG A or a TR3, but with less performance, this is arguably Fiat's counterpart to Mercedes-Benz's 190SL, a seductive little boulevard cruiser. Nicely restored it's a $25,000 car. In this superficially restored and presented condition it is way overvalued at this price.
Lot # 565 1924 McFarlan Twin-Valve Six Suburban; S/N 23293; Green, Black fenders, roof and accent/Black leather, Light Grey cloth; Estimate $65,000 - $75,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $47,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $52,250 -- Jump seats, rear compartment floor heater, rollup division, pulldown window shades on all five rear windows, rollup door and rear quarter windows, dual sidemounts, body color wire wheels, blackwall tires, Vista drum headlights with B&L lenses. Thorough but now aged old restoration with tired paint, worn nickel and sound but aged interior. Imposing but needs a lot of help. Formerly part of the Harrah's collection. A little known luxury marque from Indiana, McFarlans were in fact one of America's highest quality automobiles during the few years they were produced. Powered by a 102hp 573 cubic inch 4-valve inline six-cylinder engine, each McFarlan was built to order and emulated Rolls-Royce in more than the shared radiator design. This car brought $20,000 in the 1984 Harrah's auction when it was presumably in pretty much the same condition as it appeared here in Hershey where it brought a price that will allow its new owner to tour it with pride or undertake an expensive but ultimately rewarding restoration.
Lot # 566 1928 LaSalle 303 Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton; S/N 211324; Two tone Maroon/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $55,000 - $75,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000 -- Cream wire wheels, whitewalls, dual sidemounts with mirrors, trunk rack, pedestal spotlight, dual windshields, mermaid radiator mascot. AACA and CCCA National First Prize with excellent cosmetics. Recently repainted but chassis is oily and grimy. Chassis number is from the 1927 series. One of just two known in this body style. Notable for being the first exercise on production GM chassis for Harley Earl and their combination of pleasing proportions and sporting appearance. Enthusiastically represented on-site and hard to fault except for its grubby chassis, it brought a superior result appropriate to its presentation.
Lot # 567 1953 MG TD Roadster; S/N TD28231; Engine # XPAGTD228344; OEWhite/Maroon leatherette, Binge cloth top; Estimate $20,000 - $30,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $27,500 -- Silver steel wheels, blackwall tires, wind wings, Lucas fog lights, badge bar. Mismatched headlights, dull, aged instrument faces, thin chrome. Good repaint and interior. A superficial amateur cosmetic redo. Cataloged with its engine number. No Reserve. Generously priced by the bidders at Hershey, this mediocre TD wouldn't have been a particularly good value at a hammer bid of $20,000.
Lot # 569 1932 Bergholt Streamline 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N 134761; White/Grey cloth; Estimate $90,000 - $120,000; Concours restoration, 1- condition; Post-block sale at $75,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $82,500 -- Ford chassis and 65hp 221 cubic inch V-8, the only one of its kind designed by Fred Bergholt and built by Edgar Lantz reflecting the emerging influence of aerodynamics on automobile design in the Thirties and well before the Chrysler Airflows or Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow. Used in contemporary advertising for Bergholt's 'Madam White' cosmetics. Concours paint, chrome and interior aside from a divot on the driver's door. Two owners from new, restored in 2006. Documented in many articles including Automobile Quarterly in 2003. Bid to $67,500 on the block and closed later at this price, the only car in RM's Hershey sale that wasn't hammered sold on the block. An intriguing piece of ephemera along the shoulders of the mainstream routes of American automobile development.
Lot # 570 1954 Buick Skylark Convertible; S/N 7A1064045; Light Blue/Two tone Blue; White vinyl top; Estimate $50,000 - $75,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $65,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $71,500 -- Dynaflow, P/seat, P/W, chrome wire wheels, whitewalls. Paint No. 11. Quick, superficial old repaint, interior, top and some chrome. Chassis, underbody and even the wheel well scallops glooped heavily with great blobs of shiny black painted undercoat. Engine top end has received a quick respray with an approximation of Buick engine blue. A car that fully deserves the description ‘disappointing’ despite its single family ownership from new. This result is a miracle of expectations overcoming all visible evidence of age and mistreatment. The globs of black undercoat in the wheel well scallops are a particularly reprehensible touch indicative of the car's mistreatment. On the other hand it's sound and will be the basis of an expensive, extensive but not especially difficult restoration. The price reflects the buyer's vision of its future pristine presentation in ignorance of the costs it will incur along the way.
Lot # 571 1924 Packard 226 Single Six Touring; S/N 48311; Cream, Dark Blue, Black fenders/Black leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $50,000 - $70,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $39,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $42,900 -- Dark varnished wood spoke wheels, dual sidemounts with minor, whitewalls, wind wings, two piece windshield, tube bumpers. Rough, neglected old cosmetic redo. Sound but aged, chipped and unattractive paint. Dull brightwork. Grungy chassis. Needs pretty much everything and not even a car that can be toured or driven with much confidence or pride. Needs only two more cylinders and thousands of dollars of cosmetic and mechanical attention to be a great Packard. The seller should be thankful to get this much for it even though it is, in absolute terms, a lot more car than the money it brought. It just won't ever measure up to 'Packard' expectations.
Lot # 572 1960 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet; S/N 2916717; Engine # 3653588; Ceramic Green/Stone Beige; Stone Beige vinyl top; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $26,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $28,600 — Bendix Sapphire radio, bumper overriders, narrow whitewalls, hubcaps, trim rings. Doors don’t latch securely. Good paint, chrome and interior. Thoroughly restored with some subsequent use. Engine is nearly like new with a little only residue from use. No Reserve. A year or so ago this much money would have bought a freshly restored, above reproach, pristine Beetle convertible. Now it buys this, a sound car with a thorough but aged and used restoration. Cute is coming on strong. (picture unavailable).
Lot # 573 1926 Pontiac 6-27 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N 3191827; Grey, Black/Ochre cloth; Estimate $20,000 - $30,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $16,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $17,600 -- Wood spoke wheels, blackwall tires, windshield visor, rear-mounted spare, roll up windshield, pulldown rear window shade. Owned by Pontiac dealer Leland Holm in Minnesota since 1931 and possibly the oldest surviving Pontiac. Featured at the Fairfield Concours in 2009. Peeling old repaint over original paint. Aged but sound original upholstery, weak chrome. A sound and usable largely original car with an intriguing history. No Reserve. The last two items, however, are of some significance not noted in the price of this largely original survivor. It will enjoy pride-of-place in many shows by virtue of its age, originality and very early Pontiac stature and is another example of a car that has status without being otherwise rare, powerful or expensive. It is a good value at this price and its new owner has acquired very reasonable bragging rights. It should bookend Pontiac history with a 2009 G8 GXP in some collection.
[Source: Rick Carey; photo credit, Darin Schnabel and Stephen Goodall courtesy of RM]
rick:
Nice presentation!
Glad you enjoyed it, Alex. The aim is to be both informative and entertaining and Jamie’s setup on sportscardigest.com gives me the room to ramble on at length and describe every car and transaction I have time to look at on-site.
It is, I must say, time consuming compared with print work where I could select the cars I was going to include in Car Collector or Victory Lane and complete the notes and comments on them only, but this is a much better way of communicating a cross-section of the sale and the market, and much faster. Fortunately the tools — my Motion tablet computer, digital camera and Adobe Lightroom, particularly — streamline the process.
Are you going to Britain for Bonhams Mercedes sale next month?
Rick